9 Small Things That Make My Life Better As a College Student
Heading into my senior year of college, I’ve finally learned the embrace that college is hard. Whether it’s a tough class or just homesickness and general overwhelm, there’s always a new challenge to work through. I guess that’s what growing up is all about. But, over time, I’ve learned one of the best ways to treat those low moments is finding small ways to make your life a little better every day.
International Students Career Fair ‘21: A Virtual Experience
By: Dara Udobong ‘23
year, USC hosts career fairs for its students: curated events that bring students and recruiters together for the provision of internship opportunities and even full-time offers. Traditionally, career fairs take place on Trousdale Parkway, the thoroughfare of our University Park Campus. Employers would visit campus during the fair and line up in booths along the parkway that students could visit one after the other. Spread across a number of days, the career fair features days for unique presentations as well as companies geared towards specific audiences: such as Departmental Career Fairs for individual schools or the International Students Career Fair. As an international student myself, the International Students Career Fairs have been so resourceful in providing global opportunities for students from different countries and bringing international students closer to jobs that sponsor certain visa types.
Virtual Weekend Activities
By: Ellice Ellis ‘20
I don’t have to tell you that the 9-0 is closed. There are no parties on the row to attend, no basketball games to frolic to, and sadly, we can’t watch movies with friends or take a trip to the beach. In place of in-person fun, I’ve combed the internet for some cool virtual events to attend this weekend!
What is Thematic Option and Why You Should Sign Up
By: Ngai Yeung ‘23
Maybe you heard about it at USC Explore or at orientation, or maybe you know people in it. But what exactly is this mysterious, niche alternative to taking GEs, and why should all newly admitted students sign up for it right away?
Introducing USC’s Finest Artists
By: Ellice Ellis ‘20
Hello there! If you’ve read my posts, you probably know that I LOVE music! It’s what gets me out of bed, gets me through the day, and puts me to sleep.
Celebrate Black History Month, Trojan Style
Happy Black History Month, Trojans! In February, we take time to celebrate Black students, professors, history, and culture on this campus and beyond. In honor of the month, here are a few events you can still hit!
Club Spotlight: Figure Skating Club (USCFSC)
By: Sophia Pei ‘22
Whether you’ve been skating since you were 8 or if this is your first time hearing about it, if you’ve ever had the desire to learn to figure skate, you should look into USC’s very own figure skating club.
A letter to my fellow graduating seniors.
By: Ellice Ellis ‘20
It’s senior year y’all! And whether you transferred to this beautiful school at some time during your colligate journey or have been here since year one… the lessons we’ve learned and our growth deserve to not only be celebrated but to be reflected upon.
Best organizing methods/planners to kick off the new year
By: Ellice Ellis ‘20
The start of a new year and coincidentally a new semester is a great time to get organized. Having all your obligations, homework assignments, significant events, and even free time sorted out will make the remaining 15 weeks of the semester a lot easier. For myself, I use the calendar app on my phone as well as a physical planner to help guide my weeks. I schedule in my workouts, time with friends, work obligations, and classes, as well as using reminders, so I am on top of everything in my worldview. Here’s to a new year, and here are 5 organizing products and methods that will help you get off on the right foot.
Talia’s Journey to USC
By: Talia Walters ‘20
After three finished years at USC, applying and deciding to come here feels like a distant memory. However, as I continue to trudge slowly through my senior year of college and as I see all of my friends in graduation caps announcing their future plans, I’m beginning to realize, much to my horror, that it might just be time to open those college apps again. In honor of a trying time for all of us, both high school and college seniors, I’ve been reflecting on my own journey to USC. I think my story’s a bit on the unique side, and I wanted to share it with everyone who might be worried about their upcoming applications or who might be regretting the commitment they made just a few weeks ago. Thus, I present: Talia’s Journey to USC.
US(re)Cycle or USCandal? My discoveries
By: Lindsey Hamilton ‘22
As bad as this sounds…I’m not gonna lie, I thought I was going to find a scandal…but didn’t! Read below to follow me through my journey- from skepticism to being a little bit proud- of learning about sustainability efforts at USC.
The Socially-Anxious Freshman’s Guide to THRIVING
By: Lindsey Hamilton ‘22
The prospect of moving to an entirely new place and rebuilding your social circle from scratch is a pretty scary one, especially if social situations tend to stress you out. With that said, making new friends and putting yourself out there is one of the most rewarding experiences that college has to offer. Check out these tips for overcoming overthinking and making freshman year one to remember!
“We have a long way to go, but we have hope.” — Bill Nye
Highlights from “The Changing Climate: A Conversation With Bill Nye”
By: Lindsey Hamilton ‘22
Cries of “Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill!” rang through Bovard as Bill Nye the Science Guy himself walked onto the stage of the eager auditorium last Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019. You could tell that at once, every student in the audience had been momentarily transported back in time to their elementary and middle school science classes, a carefree place where no one knew about organic chemistry or linear algebra. With videos both old and new, Mr. Nye has been a powerful force in making science education accessible to youth and adults alike, and has been a prominent voice in talks about climate change.
How USC Should Improve the Dining Halls
By: Natalie Oganesyan ‘22
After having the privilege of a full meal plan with unlimited swipes each semester, I can say without a doubt that the dining halls were vital to my survival as a college student. EVK, especially, has a special place in my heart for nighttime munchies and all my ill-timed snack and coffee breaks. However, there’s no denying that some things need to be updated or improved.
A Recap of USC FIA’s 15th Annual Fashion Show: Made in LA
By: Karla Leung ‘22
Fashion Industry Association, most often abbreviated as FIA, is a Marshall School of Business based club and is the only fashion focused club on USC’s campus. Hosting a fashion show for the past fifteen years, this year’s theme was Made in LA, meaning every brand and designer featured is based and made in Los Angeles. Not only is it supporting local brands (including USC student designers), but also ensuring that the clothing is ethically sourced. Los Angeles is known for being one of the fashion capitals of the world for its innovation and fashion startups, and the USC fashion show highlighted some of the great talent coming out of LA.
My Favorite Things About USC
By: Lindsey Hamilton ‘22
Raindrops are nowhere while walking through campus
Bright kids all around and “Fight On’s” from Trojans
Brown paper bookstore bags filled with school merch
These are a few of my favorite things!
Top 10 Ways to Actually Use Top 10 Lists (& other ways to deal with information overload)
By: Lindsey Hamilton ‘22
You’ve seen them all. There are so many “top ten” lists and similar compilations of bite-sized information you could practically make an encyclopedia. Yet because lists are meant to be skimmed, depth is usually sacrificed. We have so much information easily available that we don’t know what to do with it — so oftentimes we don’t do anything. But that’s not good! We have the potential to do so much good in the world, and I believe that in approaching information from the right angle we can do just this. So in the spirit of our favorite easy-to-read format, here is a list of ways to hack the famous Top Ten List and deal with information overload (including some other fun Top Ten finds)!
USC Helenes Watch Hecuba and Tommy
By: Alexis M Peters ‘20
It’s Conquest week at USC, and the campus is gearing up for one of the most anticipated football games of the season! People are dusting off their Fucla shirts, playing Tusk on repeat, and getting ready for Conquest on Thursday! But others on campus are preparing for conquest in a different way. The USC Helenes have set up camp around Hecuba and Tommy, standing guard 24/7. Wait what? Yes, this university organization has volunteered their time to protect USC’s beloved statues from vandalism in case the Bruins decide to try any funny business. As a member of the Helenes myself, I was very excited to partake in this tradition and camp outside with the other members of the organization.
Productivity Tips and Quotes to Kickoff Your Spring Semester
By: Ellice Ellis ‘18
If you’re struggling to find the motivation to get things done, you’re not alone. These days I dread starting my homework, doing a reading or even waking up for class because it forces me to face the fact that there is work to be done. Here are a few motivational tips and quotes to get you out of bed and hopefully in Leavey (or your preferred study room).